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ATENI FFICE.

FRANK K. HESSE, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO CODMAN d: I

SHURTLEFF, OF SAME PLACE.

SURGICAL EXPLORER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 448,150, dated March 10, 1891.

Application filed May 20, 1890.

Serial Ne 352,474. (No model.)

' the drawing representing like parts.

This invention has for its object to construct an instrument for exploring the passages and cavities of the body, and forreducing or restoring abnormally positioned parts to their normal position.

In accordance with this invention the frame or stock of the instrument is of any suitable length, and is recessed at each end. A rod or bar is fitted to move in said frame, it being herein shown as having rackteeth at each end. A pinion is journaled in the recess formed at each end of the frame, which is in engagement with the rack-teeth on the rod or bar. Explorers or arms are secured to said pinions, which describe an arc of a circle as the pinions are reciprocated by movement of the racks. The rack-bar is moved by one of the explorers, which is used as a handle for this purpose, and as herein represented said rack-bar is moved longitudinally.

The figure shows in side elevation and partial section a surgical explorer embodying this invention, it being broken to save space on the drawing;

The central portion or frame a is herein represented as tubular, and is recessed at each end, as at Ct, yet so far as this particular invention is concerned any other suitable frame may be employed. A rod or bar I) is fitted in said frame a, it being slightly bent at each end, as at 1), as shown. Rack-teeth b are formed 011 said rod or bar Z) at each end. Pinions c are journaled in the recessed ends of the frame, one at each end, which are in engagement with the rack-teeth b An arm or explorer (Z is secured to each pinion 0, one of which is preferably jointed. The arms or explorers cl extend in opposite directions, as shown.

It will be observed that by using one of the arms or explorers (Z as a hand-lever and moving it in one or another direction the other arm or explorer cl will be correspondingly moved by means of the racks and pinions.

In order to insure the racks properly engaging the pinions, adjusting-screws c c are employed, which bear on the racks and press them into engagement with the pinions, and when the racks and pinions have been properly adjusted the said screws 0' are cut off flush with the frame.

By means of the racks and pinions a large movement may be givento the arms or explorers and at the same time a uniform steady movement can always be depended on.

I do not desire to limit my invention to the precise construction in all respects; but the co-operating racks and pinions constitute the essential feature.

The instrument herein described is intended more particularly for diagnosis and restoration in various uterine disorders. In instances where the uterus has assumed an abnormal position the instrument would be inserted, when such position of the uterus and its angleof inclination would be plainly I indicated by the angle necessarily taken by the external arm. Such position being determined, the uterus would then be carried to its proper angle by holding the body of the instrument firmly while slowly but steadily moving the said external stem.

The instrument herein described is also adapted to diagnosis in the replacement of other malpositions of the uterusas, for example, in anteflect-ion and retrotlection.

I claim 1. The frame, a movable arm or explorer, and a pinion to whichit is attached, said pinion being concealed by the frame, combined with a rack in mesh with said pinion, and means for moving the said rack longitudinally, substantially as described. 7

2. A frame and oppositely-movable arms or explorers, combined with racks and pinions for actuating said arms or explorers, substan-. tially as described.

In testimony whereof I have name to this specification in the two subscribing witnesses.

signed my presence of FRANK K. HESSE. 

